This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield washer pump on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including access through the wheel well liner.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield washer pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Washer fluid reservoir grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Allow engine to cool if recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen the driver side front wheel lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated jacking point. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands. Remove the driver side front wheel completely.
2. 2

   Remove wheel well liner fasteners
   Locate the plastic push clips and screws securing the front portion of the driver side wheel well liner. Remove approximately 4-6 plastic push clips by prying out the center pin first, then removing the clip body. Remove any Phillips screws securing the liner. Pull the liner away from the fender to access the washer fluid reservoir.
3. 3

   Locate washer pump
   With the wheel well liner pulled back, identify the washer fluid reservoir mounted behind the front bumper. The washer pump is a cylindrical component mounted in a grommet at the bottom of the reservoir. Locate the electrical connector on top of the pump.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the washer pump electrical connector and pull it straight off the pump terminals. Use needle-nose pliers if access is tight. Ensure the connector is moved aside to prevent fluid contact.
5. 5

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan directly under the washer pump location. When the pump is removed, fluid will drain from the reservoir. Position the pan to catch at least 1 gallon of fluid.
6. 6

   Disconnect washer hose
   Locate the rubber washer fluid hose connected to the pump outlet (top of pump). Use needle-nose pliers to compress the hose clamp and slide it back along the hose. Pull the hose straight off the pump outlet. Allow remaining fluid in the hose to drain into the pan.
7. 7

   Remove washer pump
   Grasp the pump body firmly and twist counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn while pulling outward to release it from the rubber grommet in the reservoir. The pump should pull free with moderate force. Allow fluid to drain completely from the reservoir opening. Remove and inspect the rubber grommet for cracks or damage.
8. 8

   Install new washer pump
   If the grommet was removed or damaged, install the new or reused grommet into the reservoir opening ensuring it seats fully. Align the new pump with the grommet opening and push it in firmly while twisting clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Ensure the pump is fully seated and secure in the grommet.
9. 9

   Reconnect washer hose and electrical
   Push the washer fluid hose onto the pump outlet firmly until it bottoms out. Slide the hose clamp forward over the connection point. Reconnect the electrical connector to the pump terminals, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position the wheel well liner back into place against the fender. Install all plastic push clips by inserting the clip body first, then pressing the center pin flush. Install all screws and tighten securely. Ensure the liner is properly seated and does not interfere with tire movement.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the driver side front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
12. 12

    Refill washer fluid reservoir
    Open the hood and locate the washer fluid reservoir cap (blue cap with washer symbol). Add approximately 3.5 quarts of windshield washer fluid until the reservoir is filled to the full line. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheel well liner fasteners are properly installed to prevent rattling or liner interference with tire
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after test drive

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine running or not)
• Activate the windshield washer system and verify fluid sprays from both nozzles with adequate pressure
• Check for fluid leaks around the pump connection point at the reservoir
• Listen for normal pump operation without unusual noise or laboring
• Verify no fluid leaks from the hose connection or electrical connector area
• Check that the reservoir fluid level remains stable after several spray cycles

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